Attention is Life: Focus and Distraction in Ultrarunning and Beyond

The Pyllon Ultra Pod

Welcome back to the Pyllon Ultra Pod, where we dive deep into the real issues faced by ultrarunners and endurance athletes. I'm Paul, and today, we're exploring a concept that extends far beyond running—attention. Inspired by the work of psychologist Timothy Wilson and other thought-provoking books, we discuss how our focus shapes our training, racing, and ultimately, our lives.

Key Segments:

• The Distraction Dilemma:
  • How modern distractions are costing us more than we realise.
  • The impact of distractions on our running and training.
  • Personal anecdotes about the cost of distractions in our daily lives.

• Attention and Training:
  • The importance of being present during training sessions.
  • Stories of how losing focus can derail your running goals.

• The Cost of Misplaced Attention:
  • If you’re focusing on things you don’t truly value, you’re paying with your life.
  • Engaging directly with experiences versus being distracted.

• Making Better Use of Your Attention:
  • Practical questions to help align your attention with your values.
  • The significance of being mindful and present in everyday activities.

Quotes:

• "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity." - Simone Weil
• "To be everywhere is to be nowhere." - Seneca

Book Recommendations:

• "Strangers to Ourselves: Discovering the Adaptive Unconscious" by Timothy D. Wilson
• "4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman

Join Us:

• Don’t forget to join us on the 20th of September for the unmissable Pyllon

Contact Information:

• Social Media: @pyllon @pyllonultra
• Website: Pyllon Ultra